Opposition to the measure was reportedly led by Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, a Republican expected to run for governor next year to replace Chris Christie, whose final term ends next year.

The Christie Administration has been rocked by allegations of corruption, and the governor was largely absent from his state during the presidential election season as he campaigned for now president-elect Trump.

Guadagno had argued that the ballot measure would require $12 billion in state borrowing to support the transportation fund, The New York Times reported.

Its aim is to "research, educate, and advocate for the widespread adoption of next-generation electric vehicles in New Jersey."

The new group believes New Jersey could become a friendly place for electric cars in part because of its proximity to so many states with zero-emission vehicle rules.

State residents also respond to concerns over air pollution, and the fact that New Jersey already generates much of its power from clean sources—making electric cars very low in wells-to-wheels carbon impact.